Failure of cemented carbide tools in intermittent cutting

The nature and mode of cemented carbide tool failure has been examined by considering the effects of thermal and mechanical loads to which a tool is subjected during intermittent cutting. Interrupted cutting tests were performed on a lathe, using a specially designed slotted workpiece fixture and several grades of cemented carbides were used to machine mild steel. Experimental results indicate that the mechanism of tool failure changes with the cutting parameters; these must therefore be carefully chosen to optimise tool performance.